Young people from Warminster are set to represent the town at county level after pupils from Kingdown School were elected to the Wiltshire Youth Council.
Jamie and Melanie have been elected as Youth Councillors and Maebh as a deputy.
The students, in Year 10 and 11, joined other youth councillors last month to meet with council leaders, celebrate their appointments and begin planning the priorities they want to champion for young people in Wiltshire.
“We’re incredibly proud of the Kingdown students who took part in this year’s Wiltshire Youth Council Elections and represented our school at the Celebration Event recently,” said a spokesperson from Kingdown School. “Their energy, ideas and willingness to engage made the day truly inspiring.”
The 41 Wiltshire Youth Councillors represent the voices of young people in discussions with Wiltshire Council and partner organisations, raising issues that matter most to them.
Youth Councillors will meet regularly with councillors and cabinet members, review services affecting young people and communicate with their peers to ensure young people’s views are represented in local decision-making.
They will also take part in a monthly full Youth Council meeting focused on issues important to young people. Training and support will be provided to help them develop skills such as debating, youth inspections and presenting their ideas.
Councillor Ian Thorn, Wiltshire Council Leader, said, “Young people bring insight, challenge and fresh ideas to the decisions we make as a council. The Youth Council elections give young people a real opportunity to choose representatives who will speak up on their behalf and help shape priorities and services across Wiltshire.
“I would like to congratulate everyone who has been elected and thank all those who took part in the elections.”
Jamie, Maebh and Melanie also attended the Full Council meeting at Warminster Town Council on Monday 23rd March to learn more about local issues.
Warminster Town Councillor Paul Barnes, who works at the school, said, “I just wanted to recommend to the council these brilliant young people, they are part of my public speaking team at Kingdown and I’m very proud of them and look forward to working with them.”
Pictured l-r: Jamie, Maebh and Melanie.
